This webinar is in partnership with
HR is at a pivotal moment. As organizations accelerate their AI adoption, the pressure on People functions has never been higher — yet most remain constrained by outdated structures,
skill blind spots, and uncertainty about their evolving role in this new reality.
In this session, we unpack the five strategic business priorities HR must focus on heading into 2026, drawing on market signals and insights from AIHR’s latest research on HR trends. You’ll explore how AI is reshaping expectations for HR, what this means for operating models and capability building, and why traditional headcount-based planning is no longer fit for purpose in a skills-driven, AI-enabled world.
We’ll also break down what it really takes for HR to lead transformation: redefining leadership beyond hierarchy, elevating AI fluency, and creating a workforce strategy centered on skills,
adaptability, and human impact. This webinar equips HR professionals with the clarity and confidence needed to take ownership of the AI-powered future and deliver meaningful value
through people, purpose, and modern HR strategy.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the five most critical business and workforce priorities HR must lead in 2026 based on current and expected trends.
- Recognize how AI is reshaping HR roles, leadership expectations, and operating models, and what this means for capability building.
- Identify structural blockers (silos, legacy models, FOBO, low tech fluency) and strategies to overcome them.
- Build HR readiness for an AI-powered world by strengthening AI fluency, cross-functional collaboration, and people-centered transformation.
Who should attend this program?
Everyone in HR looking to equip themselves with a forward-thinking approach to navigating HR Trends in 2026 and aligning on HR Priorities to drive impact.
Registration Difficulties/Questions: Please reach out to the Professional Development team at PDwebinars@hrpa.ca
Speaker(s)
Dr. Marna van der Merwe
Dr. Marna van der Merwe is an Organizational Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in corporate HR and consulting. She has deep expertise in talent management, career development, employee experience design and the future of work. She is a researcher, author, and speaker dedicated to advancing evidence-based people practices that strengthen HR’s strategic contribution.
At AIHR, she is the Research & Insights Lead at AIHR, where she shapes the organization’s thought leadership agenda, develops future-focused HR insights, and translates emerging trends into practical guidance for HR practitioners worldwide.
Drawing on her industry experience, she also contributes to the development and design of future-focused learning programs that support the professional development of thousands of HR professionals.
A regular speaker and writer, Dr. van der Merwe presents at industry events and contributes to publications on topics such as talent management, careers in the new world of work, and the future of HR. Her academic and practitioner contributions make her a trusted voice in helping organizations build human-centric and future-ready people practices.
Dr. Dieter Veldsman
Dr. Dieter Veldsman, an accomplished Organizational Psychologist, has over 15 years of HR expertise spanning roles like CHRO and Organizational Effectiveness Executive with global corporations. A recognized authority on Strategic HR, the Future of Work, and Organizational Development, he is a sought-after speaker, co-host of the HR Hot Topics podcast, and host of the HR Dialogues videocast.
With over 40 contributions to peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Veldsman also serves as a Senior Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg and guest lectures at academic institutions. His work has earned awards like CHRO of the Year (2021) and recognition for HR innovation and strategy.
Currently, as an HR & OD Thought Leader at AIHR, he focuses on upskilling HR professionals worldwide, supporting a community of 15,000+ students across 140+ countries through research, product development, and client engagement.